Short Stories » On Wolf Mountain

On Wolf Mountain - Page 2 of 7

In a breath, men and shaggy beasts were mixed in struggling confusion. Many arrows sped to their mark and dead buffalo lay scattered over the plain like big, black mounds, while the panic-stricken survivors fled down the valley of the Big Horn. In a little while the successful hunters departed with as much meat as their ponies could carry.

No sooner were they out of sight than the old wolf gave a feast-call. "Woo-o-o! woo, woo, woo!" He was sure that they had left enough meat for all the wolf people within hearing distance. Then away they all went for the hunting-ground not in regular order, as before, but each one running at his best speed. They had not gone far down the slope before they saw others coming from other hills - - their gray tribesmen of the rocks and plains.

The Mayala family came first to two large cows killed near together. There is no doubt that they were hungry, but the smell of man offends all of the animal kind. They had to pause at a distance of a few paces, as if to make sure that there would be no trick played on them. The old Mayala chief knew that the man with hair on his face has many tricks. He has a black, iron ring that is hidden under earth or snow to entrap the wolf people, and sometimes he puts medicine on the meat that tortures and kills them. Although they had seen these buffalo fall before their brothers, the wild Red men, they instinctively hesitated before taking the meat. But in the mean time there were others who came very hungry and who were, apparently, less scrupulous, for they immediately took hold of it, so that the Mayala people had to hurry to get their share.

In a short time all the meat left from the wild men's hunt had disappeared, and the wolves began grinding the soft and spongy portions of the hones. The old ones were satisfied and lay down, while the young ones, like young folks of any race, sat up pertly and gossipped or squabbled until it was time to go home.

Suddenly they all heard a distant calla gathering call. "Woo-oo-oo!" After a few minutes it came again. Every gray wolf within hearing obeyed the summons without hesitation.

Away up in the secret recesses of the Big Horn Mountains they all came by tens and hundreds to the war-meeting of the wolves. The Mayala chief and his young warriors arrived at the spot in good season. Manitoo was eager to know the reason of this great council. He was young, and had never be- fore seen such a gathering of his people.

A gaunt old wolf, with only one eye and an immensely long nose, occupied the place of honor. No human ear heard the speech of the chieftain, but we can guess what he had to say. Doubtless he spoke in defence of his country, the home of his race and that of the Red man, whom he regarded with toleration. It was altogether different with that hairy-faced man who had lately come among them to lay waste the forests and tear up the very earth about his dwelling, while his creatures devoured the herbage of the plain. It would not be strange if war were declared upon the intruder.

"Woo! woo! woo!" The word of assent came forth from the throats of all who heard the command at that wild council among the piled-up rocks, in the shivering dusk of a November evening.

The northeast wind came with a vengeance every gust swayed and bent even the mighty pines of the mountains. Soon the land became white with snow. The air was full of biting cold, and there was an awfulness about the night.

The sheepman at his lonely ranch had little warning of the storm, and he did not get half of his cows in the corral. As for the sheep, he had already rounded them up before the blizzard set in.

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On Wolf Mountain - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Brave Max the rabbit teaches us that with courage and kindness, we can overcome our fears and make friends in unexpected places!

On Wolf Mountain - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Even when we feel scared or unsure, courage and teamwork can help us overcome challenges just like the animals worked together to face the wolf on the mountain.

On Wolf Mountain - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Sometimes helping others and showing kindness, even in difficult situations, can lead to unexpected friendships and positive outcomes.

3 Fun Facts

• The young boy, Li Wei, cleverly outsmarted the hungry wolf by using a mirror to reflect the sunlight into the wolf's eyes, stunning it temporarily.
• During the adventure, Li Wei realized the importance of staying calm in dangerous situations, which helped him think clearly and find a way to escape.
• The story highlights the bravery and quick thinking of Li Wei, who was on a mission to gather medicinal herbs for his sick grandmother, showing his love and dedication to his family.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What did the children find when they climbed to the top of Wolf Mountain?
• How did the children feel when they saw the wolf for the first time?
• What did the wise old owl tell the children about the forest?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What is the main animal featured in the story "On Wolf Mountain"?
• What challenge does the young wolf face on Wolf Mountain?
• How does the young wolf feel when reaching the top of Wolf Mountain?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What was the main challenge faced by the villagers on Wolf Mountain during the winter season?
• How did the children of the village contribute to solving the problem of the wolves?
• Describe the role of storytelling in the interaction between the villagers and the wolves.